Fe(2)O(3) Nanoparticles Wrapped in Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes With Enhanced Lithium Storage Capability

We have designed a novel hybrid nanostructure by coating Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles with multi-walled carbon nanotubes to enhance the lithium storage capability of Fe(2)O(3). The strategy to prepare Fe(2)O(3)@MWCNTs involves the synthesis of Fe nanoparticles wrapped in MWCNTs, followed by the oxidation of Fe nanoparticles under carbon dioxide. When used as the anode in a Li-ion battery, this hybrid material (70.32 wt% carbon nanotubes, 29.68 wt% Fe(2)O(3)) showed a reversible discharge capacity of 515 mAhg(−1) after 50 cycles at a density of 100 mAg(−1) and the capacity based on Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles was calculated as 1147 mAhg(−1), Three factors are responsibile for the superior performance: (1) The hollow interiors of MWCNTs provide enough spaces for the accommodation of large volume expansion of inner Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles, which can improving the stability of electrode; (2) The MWCNTs increase the overall conductivity of the anode; (3) A stable solid electrolyte interface film formed on the surface of MWCNTs may reduce capacity fading.